FBI investigators allege that Nguyen intended to train 30 fighters for an attack in December. Prosecutors believe that he "planned to make his way to Pakistan and reemerge as Hasan Abu Omar Ghannoum."

In addition to the charge that he supported terrorism, Nguyen was also charged with making false statements on his passport application, including using the aforementioned moniker as for his intended new identity. According to a Facebook profile registered with the name Hasan Abu Omar Ghannoum, Nguyen allegedly traveled to Lebanon late last year and then crossed over into Syria with the intention of assisting the Free Syrian Army. Agents said that he bragged about killing at least one person while there. While prosecutors claim that Nguyen had extensive training from spending time at firing ranges, the judge presiding over the case questioned prosecutors about his military abilities, citing that he had been rejected by the military due to a hearing problem.

By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or
otherwise objectionable. Although GovExec.com does not monitor comments posted to this site (and
has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems
to be in violation of this rule.